'House of Cards' Renewed for Season 5 But One Major Player Will Be Missing

Netflix has renewed the political thriller ahead of its season four launch.

Receive the latest entertainment-news updates in your inbox

Kevin Spacey as Francis Underwood, left, and Robin Wright as Clair Underwood in a scene from the Netflix drama "House of Cards."

It looks like Frank Underwood just may win that election.

Netflix announced Thursday that "House of Cards" has been renewed for a fifth season, ahead of the March 4 season four premiere. However, there will be one major change to the political thriller: Creator and showrunner Beau Willimon will not be involved.

"Prior to its fourth season premiere, Netflix and MRC are thrilled to announce that 'House of Cards' will return for a fifth season in 2017. Concurrent with the renewal, creator and showrunner Beau Willimon is departing the critically acclaimed series. Netflix and MRC owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Beau Willimon for his strong narrative vision for 'House of Cards' over the show's first four seasons. As an Academy Award nominated writer, he made his first foray into television and built a riveting and critically acclaimed series, establishing his place in TV history. The producers, cast and crew join us in wishing Beau the best in his next creative adventure," the streaming service said in a statement.

Willimon also released a statement on his departure from the series. "I'm grateful to Netflix and MRC, my fellow executive producers, our two incandescent stars Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright, our talented writers, as well as the incredible cast and crew with whom I've had the privilege to work," he says.

"After five years and four seasons, it's time for me to move on to new endeavors, but I'm supremely proud of what we've built together, wish the show much continued success, and leave it in the hands of a very capable team."

"House of Cards" stars Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright, and Michael Kelly, with Neve Campbell joining season four as a series regular.